Fresh off the boat

I was vaguely familiar with the term “fob.” It’s an acronym that stands for “fresh off the boat,” a derogatory term for Asian immigrants to this country.

However, a few years ago, a pair of young women named Teresa and Serena Wu decided to take ownership of this negative term and embrace it in a positive way. In doing so, they created the websites mymomisafob.com and mydadisafob.com, places where they could celebrate and find humor in the broken English, passive aggression and unsolicited advice that they’ve spent their lives receiving from their parents.

The two have written a book called “My Mom is a Fob” (Perigee; $12.95), a collection of some of the sweeter, funnier moments culled from the website.

And it is sweet. And funny.

We get an insight onto the world of the “fob.” There are hilarious clothing choices. Funny misunderstandings based around misspellings and mispronunciations. There’s plenty of laughter here; it’s a fairly rich comedic lode to be mined.

Granted, there’s a certain perspective on the humor that I personally lack. It’s funny, sure – but there’s a sense that I’m missing something on a deeper level.

Perhaps that’s why the book feels a bit one-note to me. The joke is funny, but it kind of feels like the same joke over and over again. While that probably works well on the website, in a book it feels a bit repetitive. The richness and depth of the humor is a bit lacking.

That said, the book has its share of laugh-out-loud moments. For me personally, some of the most consistently funny moments in the book involved homosexuality. For whatever reason, it seems that fob moms have a deep-seated terror of the idea that their children might be gay. Don’t get me wrong; there’s nothing hateful here. It’s all very matter-of-fact. Frankly, I think the biggest issue is the fact that homosexuality makes grandchildren considerably less likely.

“My Mom is a Fob” is a light, fun book. Anyone who has had to deal with a parent will find moments of humor here, and those with Asian heritage will likely find even more. The dynamic between mother and child is complicated in any culture. Books like this do a great job of showing us that despite our superficial differences, at our core, we’re all more or less the same.

Go west, young man: ‘True Grit’

I have long been a fan of the work of Joel and Ethan Coen. The brothers make up one of the best filmmaking teams working in cinema today. Even the worst of their work (“Ladykillers,” anyone?) offers a relatively high degree of watchability.

Their most recent effort is a remake of the iconic 1969 western “True Grit,” the film that finally earned John Wayne the Oscar that had eluded him for so many years. To recreate such a landmark film takes a fair amount of audacity, but the Coens have proven over the years that they are utterly fearless in their storytelling. And they’ve already proven that they can create a great Western with “No Country for Old Men,” perhaps the greatest film in the Coen canon.

“True Grit” doesn’t quite reach those heights – no shame there – but it is an excellent offering nonetheless.

It’s the story of Mattie Ross (Hailee Stanfield; “Summer Camp”), a 14-year-old girl looking to avenge the death of her father at the hands of Tom Chaney (Josh Brolin; “Jonah Hex”). She seeks assistance in the town, finally enlisting the aid of a crusty, cantankerous U.S. Marshal by the name of Rooster Cogburn (Jeff Bridges; “Tron: Legacy”). Along the way, a Texas Ranger named LaBoeuf (Matt Damon; “Hereafter”) falls in with them, seeking Chaney for his own reasons.

Remaking a classic can be difficult, but the Coens do a great job of making their own mark on the tale. It doesn’t hurt that they cast Bridges, currently at the absolute top of his game, as Rooster Cogburn. Bridges embodies the epitome of true grit that is the central core to Cogburn’s character. He is a powerful screen presence and a worthy successor to the Duke.

The supporting cast brings their own excellence to the screen as well. Damon is wonderful as the acerbic Ranger LaBoeuf – he is one of the most versatile performers of his generation. It’s remarkable that it has taken this long for the Coens to utilize Damon, but it was worth the wait. Josh Brolin, on the other hand, proved himself a master of the Coen sensibility in “No Country for Old Men.” He brings a darkness to his relatively brief time onscreen that is fascinating to watch.

And then there’s Stanfield. I applaud the Coens for having the courage to cast an actual teenager in this role. It could have backfired horribly, but Stanfield seemed able to keep up with her heavyweight scene partners. There are a few moments that perhaps might have been handled better by a more experienced actress, but those are few and far between.

Of course, the film looks wonderful. There are few as good at painting a cinematic picture as the Coens, and none better. The visual aesthetic is just stunning; the whole film has a wonderful sweeping nature to it. “True Grit” comes off as an intimate epic, a simple story played out upon a grand stage.

“True Grit” isn’t the best movie the Coens have ever made, but there’s no shame in that. It’s still a fantastic film, and despite the movie’s recent snub by the Golden Globes, it should still make some noise come Oscar time.

‘Tron: Legacy’ a worthy successor

For many of us, movies are an integral part of our childhoods. The films we see during that time when our imaginations are firing on all cylinders tend to maintain a special place in our hearts. “Tron,” first released in 1982, is one of those films for me.

So when I first heard about the impending release of “Tron: Legacy,” I was immediately awash in excited nostalgia. However, as the date approached, I became more and more apprehensive. I was concerned that the new film couldn’t possibly measure up.

But it did.

The new film tells the story of Sam Flynn (Garrett Hedlund; “Eragon”), the son of video game developer Kevin Flynn (Jeff Bridges; “Crazy Heart”). The elder Flynn disappeared without a trace over 20 years previously, leaving his son behind. Encom, Flynn’s company, has thrived in his absence, but Sam, the company’s majority stockholder thanks to his dad, is a restless and rebellious young man.

When Kevin’s old partner Alan (Bruce Boxleitner; “Shadows in Paradise”) receives a page from Kevin’s long-disconnected office number, he sends Sam to the old arcade to investigate. Sam stumbles onto his father’s secret office where he inadvertently opens a doorway to the digital world that Kevin had been working so hard to create.

Once inside, Sam discovers a whole new world, one being run with ruthless efficiency by Clu, a program that Kevin created in his own image. Meanwhile, Kevin has become a hermit, a mystic man on the mountain-type sage, living alone with his apprentice Quorra (Olivia Wilde; “The Next Three Days”). As tensions mount and Clu’s grand plan begins to unfold, it becomes clear that Sam and Kevin must find their way out and save both worlds – theirs and ours.

First of all, this film is visually stunning. The filmmakers adopted an interesting convention, with the “real world” being in standard 2D and the Grid in 3D. This creates a wonderful juxtaposition between the two worlds – an added dimension both literal and figurative. And the work done to create Clu (essentially a computer-generated, youthful Jeff Bridges) is quite impressive.

Hedlund does a nice job as Sam, and Bridges is as good an actor as there is out there. Wilde makes an admirable attempt at keeping up and mostly succeeds. The quality of performance was high throughout, which was nice. Sometimes actual acting comes off as a bit of an afterthought in these sorts of films. Sure, the story is a bit thin in some spots, but everyone is so committed to their characters and circumstances that it doesn’t really matter.

The world of “Tron” has evolved since 1982, and yet…this new film still managed to evoke some of those memories while creating something very different. There was a whiff of nostalgia, to be sure, and there were several minor tidbits that were clear homages to the original.

I was ready to be disappointed, and yet I wasn’t. I’ll grant that objectivity is a bit tough for me in these circumstances, but as far as I can tell, this is a solid sci-fi offering. The original “Tron” will always hold a special place in my heart, but “Tron: Legacy” is a worthy successor.

After all, they brought back the light cycles. Awesome.

History that never was

My deep and abiding affection for alternate history in general and Harry Turtledove (who I consider to be the genre’s foremost practitioner) in particular has been well-documented. So imagine my delight when a copy of “Atlantis and Other Places” (ROC; $24.95) by Mr. Turtledove crossed my desk.

Turtledove’s “Atlantis” series is built around a simple thesis: what is Atlantis existed? In Turtledove’s universe – explored in three novels before this collection – Atlantis is discovered by Europeans in the mid-15th century. The continent essentially consists of the eastern part of our United States – the east coast of “Terranova” now seems to in roughly the same spot as our Mississippi River.

Neat, right?

However, the title is a touch misleading. There are only two Atlantis stories in the collection; the first and the last. So I felt an initial stab of disappointment when I came to that realization; I was looking forward to exploring that world a little more.

However, what I had forgotten is that Turtledove is a master of what he does. The worlds he creates each have their own fascinating twists and quirks. Some of the pieces are deadly serious, such as “Occupation Territory,” set in a world where Goliath won and Christianity never took hold. Then there’s “The Daimon,” a tale of what might have happened had Socrates accompanied Alkibiades to Syracuse during the Peloponnesian Wars.

But then there’s the satirical stuff. Pieces like “Bedfellows,” where George W. Bush and Osama Bin Laden (never *quite* named specifically, but it’s quite clear who they are) go to Massachusetts to get gay married. Yeah, really. Or “News From the Front,” an imagining of how World War II might have gone had the media been as aggressive and unconstrained as it is today.

And of course, there’s the weirdly funny “Catcher on the Rhine.” Holden Caulfield gets transported to a mystical German castle. He swears a lot. It made me laugh.

Turtledove’s breadth of knowledge about history is astonishing, and he puts all of it to good use throughout his work. Granted, he occasionally falls in love with combat – his wartime battle scenes can get a bit lengthy. Not bad, necessarily, but long. His strength lies in his ability to realistically imagine the path that history might have traveled had certain events taken place (or not taken place, as the case may be).

The man is a gifted writer with a real knack for exploring the intricate possibilities inherent to the idea of “What if?”

“Atlantis and Other Places” might have a slightly misleading title, but it’s no less engaging a book because of it. For fans of alternate history, historical fiction…fiction in general, really, this is a first-rate collection by a master storyteller.

Take a trip with ‘The Tourist’

There’s no escaping the formulaic nature of Hollywood. When you get to the bottom line, film studios are in the business of making money. The years have given them what they believe to be a sense of what people will pay to see and those are the kinds of movies they make.

Take “The Tourist,” for example. It’s an action-adventure spy thriller type movie, with a significant love story thrown in for good measure. This is the sort of movie that people will see. Cast Angeline Jolie (“Salt”) and Johnny Depp (“Pirates of the Caribbean”) as your two leads and you’ve captured even more interest. The only thing we love more than explosions and romance is a movie star. Or two.

All the pieces are there for a nice little escapist romp, and that’s what “The Tourist” really is.

In Paris, Interpol is on the hunt for Alexander Pierce, a white-collar criminal who has stolen hundreds of millions of dollars. They’re tracking Elise Ward (Jolie), a former (current?) flame of Pierce’s who they hope will lead them to him. He knows they’re watching her, however, and instructs her to board a train and make contact with a stranger of Pierce’s same height and build to throw the authorities off the scent.

This is when we meet Frank Tupelo (Depp), a math teacher from Wisconsin who is traveling through Europe on vacation. Elise makes contact with Frank aboard the train, charming him and eventually pulling him into her wake as an erstwhile traveling companion.

However, once people decide that Frank is Alexander, good guys and bad guys alike start crawling out of the woodwork, chasing the hapless tourist all over the countryside.

This is an engaging piece of work. Jolie and Depp are movie stars for a reason; the raw charisma that oozes from each of them is singularly impressive. Granted, there are moments when the chemistry between them fizzles a little, but in the context of the story, it works. Jolie is her full pouty, sultry self as Elise – she’s good, but it’s nothing new. One of the things I’ve always loved about Johnny Depp is his genuineness; the characters he portrays, no matter how quirky, always seem to come from a very real place. Frank comes from that place.

Another star of the film is its European backdrop. The shots of Venice especially are quite beautiful.

“The Tourist” is a fine example of a win-win situation. The studios went to the formula well to make it, sure, but the truth is that there’s a reason we like movies like this. And this is a particularly well-done example. Two charming leads, some romance and gunfire, a beautiful backdrop and some intriguing twists and turns; it all adds up to a fun flight of fancy. If any of these things tickles your fancy, take a trip with “The Tourist.” It’s a voyage you might enjoy.

Two great tastes: ‘Love and Rockets’

Some people like science fiction – stories about technology, aliens…the future. Other people like romance – stories about love and loss. But what about those people who like both? Believe it or not, there’s a lot more overlap in those fan bases than you might think.

At least, that’s what the folks at DAW are banking on with their new anthology “Love and Rockets” (DAW; $7.99). The collection, edited by DAW regulars Martin H. Greenberg and Kerrie Hughes, consists of a baker’s dozen stories that bring together some of the most recognizable and beloved elements of both the sci-fi and romance genres.

The blending of the two might seem a bit incongruous at first glance, but surprisingly, the two styles fit together rather well. It makes sense; both styles are, at their respective cores, about relationships – relationships with other people, relationship with the world around us.

As with any anthology, the stories offer enough variety for there to be something there for everybody. What makes this particular grouping so interesting is the different tactics the assorted authors used to bring the two genres together. Some chose to put a strong focus on the science fiction aspects of their tales, while others used sci-fi only as a basic background  for romantic stories that could have been well-served by any setting.

There’s Brenda Cooper’s “Second Shift,” a story about love between a communications specialist and a test pilot rocketing into space, never to return. Another highlight is “F is for Freefall,” by Donald J. Bingle. It’s a fun, funny story about misunderstandings and miscommunications surrounding ‘the first time.’ In addition, you have a story of alien/human love and bonding in “Dance of Life” by Jody Lynn Nye.

However, my personal favorite would have to be Dean Wesley Smith’s “Music in Time.” It’s the story of a down-on-his-luck musician wandering his way through a space station. He gets a second chance at success – and love – thanks to a traveler from outside of time. It’s a lovely story, striking just the right balance between elements of romance and science fiction.

Of course, there are a few stories that don’t quite hit on all cylinders. However, the overall quality of the anthology is solid. Even the least engaging of the stories is entertaining and interesting.

Sci-fi and romance – strange bedfellows to be sure. And yet…it works. “Love and Rockets” makes for some great light reading. It won’t win the Pulitzer Prize, but if you’re just looking for a little escapism, you could do a whole lot worse.

The secret lives of toys

Penobscot Theatre is bringing its own world-premiere version of a classic children’s tale to life at the Bangor Opera House this holiday season.

“The Velveteen Rabbit,” adapted from Margery Williams’ children’s book of the same name by PTC’s own Andrew Frodahl, still has a few more shows remaining. And young or old, whether you know the story or not, you should really go. It’s one of the sweetest, most heartfelt things you’ll see on stage.

It’s the story of Vel, a stuffed velveteen rabbit that lives with a little boy. When Vel arrives, she makes the acquaintance of the other denizens of the toy closet, including Timothy the wooden lion, Frederic the tin soldier and Saddler the hobby horse. Vel wants very much to be real, but Saddler tells her the only way to do that is through the boy’s love.

Well, that and some nursery magic.

But when the boy becomes sick, drastic measures must be taken – measures that might mean Vel is out of the picture forever.

The show is performed using a blend of live actors and puppets; an absolutely wonderful conceit that created a lovely and unique dynamic. As someone with a particular affinity for puppets, it was a delight to experience.

The cast was key in bringing this story to life. Jasmine Ireland was sweetly earnest as Vel, and so adept with the rabbit puppet that she herself occasionally seemed to almost disappear from view. John Greenman and Adam Cousins do double duty; the two play older and younger versions of the same doctor as well as toys – Greenman is Timothy the lion and Cousins is Saddler. Greenman’s gruffness and Cousins’ sage smoothness both do their toy alter egos justice.

Tracy Michaud Stutzman also plays a dual role as the boy’s kindly nana and the prim and proper tin soldier Frederic. The contrast between her motherly affection and dutiful efficiency is fun to watch. And Britni Michaud is all cuteness and charm as the little boy around whom all these characters, person and toy alike, revolve.

I’ve been to a lot of theatre in my time; so much so that I sometime forget just how truly magical an experience it can be. But the children present at the show I saw reminded me how enthralling the stage can be. Director Marci Brammucci, along with Frodahl, have created a piece that truly transports you – especially if you still have the sort of imagination that allows you to be transported.

The kids I saw were spellbound. There’s no other word for it. The oohs and aahs, the laughter and cheers? Those are the sorts of truthful, visceral reactions that theatre is supposed to evoke.

Did it get a little dusty in the theater from time to time? I’m not ashamed to say yes. If you’ve even a modicum of sentimentality in your soul, “The Velveteen Rabbit” is an hour you will not regret spending. Bring your kids if you’ve got them – they’ll love it – but even if you don’t, come anyway. It’s chance to see the world premiere of a well-acted, well-designed show that will tickle your fancy and tug at your heartstrings. What’s better than that?

‘Plaid Tidings’ to you

Smooth sounds of the season are being heard at the Bangor Opera House.

Penobscot Theatre Company is presenting the holiday musical “Plaid Tidings” through December 22.

Last year, the theatre introduced us to the boys of Forever Plaid, a four-man harmony group returned from the beyond in order to perform the show they never got a chance to do in life. The Plaids (Frankie, Sparky, Smudge and Jinx) brought their own four-part touch to a number of classics, interspersed with fun bits of variety show shtick.

“Plaid Tidings” is the sequel to “Forever Plaid,” where the boys are brought back for yet another show. It’s a wonderful opportunity to revisit the joys inherent to that first show. The Forever Plaid guys are just too darned good not to come back. We deserve more than just that single show, and playwright Stuart Ross has given us an admirable sequel.

We get to see some of the songs they never got to do the last time out, not to mention a number of wonderful holiday numbers that are delightful both in their seasonal splendor and their harmonious performance. It’s a celebration of the spirit of the season that happens in a most wonderful way.

We’ve got a pair of Plaid returnees in “Plaid Tidings.” Dominick Varney brings his matchless energy back to the stage as Sparky, the jokester of the group. His infectious enthusiasm – not to mention his first-rate vocal talent – shines forth throughout the show. Meanwhile, Ben Layman is great as the bumbling Jinx. His well-meaning sweetness and occasional awkwardness make him incredibly endearing.

The new Plaids do a fine job filling the shoes of those who went before them. Jesse Havea is a delight as the brainy Smudge; his comedic timing is excellent. Ditto Peter Carrier as Frankie, de facto leader of the Plaids. These two have blended in nicely, making Forever Plaid the family that it needs to be for this show to work.

And work it does. This is a show about the songs. Four-part harmony is a beautiful thing when it’s done right, and these guys can make it happen. The music is toe-tappingly mesmerizing. Each number is pure and engaging. Sure, the bits between songs – the comedy and earnestness – they’re important (and very well done), but all in all, the music is the thing.

This quartet has brought Forever Plaid to life. They are as real a musical group as you’ll ever see – aided in no small part by the exceptional band, with Caleb Sweet on bass, Chris Viner on drums and led by piano player Shoshana Seid-Green. The band is tight, the vocals are spot-on – it’s one of the better concerts you’re likely to see.

Director Scott Levy and choreographer Nathan Halverson have done a great job creating a dynamic experience with “Plaid Tidings.” The music is so good that it could easily overwhelm all other aspects of the show, but Levy’s deft hand ensures that the comedy shines through and Halverson does a fine job of putting the boys through the motions.

Levy made the right call, bringing the Plaids back to Bangor. Beautiful harmonies with a holiday flavor? What could be a better way to celebrate the season? It’s holiday fun at its finest and a show that is not to be missed.